1
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Ording AG, Christensen TD, Skjøth F, Noble S, Højen AA, Mørkved AL, Larsen TB, Petersen RH, Meldgaard P, Jakobsen E, Søgaard M. Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Stage III and IV Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Nationwide Descriptive Cohort Study. Clin Lung Cancer 2024; 25:407-416.e1. [PMID: 38705834 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in patients starting cancer therapies for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We examined the risk and timing of VTE in patients with stage IIIA, IIIB to C, and stage IV NSCLC according to received cancer treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS A nationwide registry-based cohort study of patients recorded in the Danish Lung Cancer Registry (2010-2021) followed for 1 year after entry into the registry to assess the incidence of VTE. The Aalen-Johansen estimator was used to calculate the risk of VTE after treatment commencement with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, chemoradiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. RESULTS Among the 3475 patients with stage IIIA, 4047 with stage IIIB to C, and 18,082 patients with stage IV cancer, the 1-year risk of VTE was highest in the first 6 months and varied markedly by cancer stage and cancer treatment. In stage IIIA, VTE risk was highest with chemotherapy (3.9%) and chemoradiation (4.1%). In stage IIIB to C, risks increased with chemotherapy (5.2%), immunotherapy (9.4%), and targeted therapy (6.0%). Stage IV NSCLC showed high risk with targeted therapy (12.5%) and immunotherapy (12.2%). The risk was consistently higher for pulmonary embolism than deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSION VTE risks vary substantially according to cancer treatments and cancer stages. The highest risk was observed in the initial 6 months of therapy initiation. These insights emphasize the need for tailored risk assessment and vigilance in managing VTE complications in patients with NSCLC. Further research is needed to optimize individual thromboprophylaxis strategies for patients with unresectable and metastatic NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gulbech Ording
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Thomas Decker Christensen
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Flemming Skjøth
- Department of Data, Innovation, and Research, Lillebælt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Simon Noble
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anette Arbjerg Højen
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Amalie Lambert Mørkved
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Rene Horsleben Petersen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Meldgaard
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Erik Jakobsen
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mette Søgaard
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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2
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Johansson ALV, Kønig SM, Larønningen S, Engholm G, Kroman N, Seppä K, Malila N, Steig BÁ, Gudmundsdóttir EM, Ólafsdóttir EJ, Lundberg FE, Andersson TML, Lambert PC, Lambe M, Pettersson D, Aagnes B, Friis S, Storm H. Have the recent advancements in cancer therapy and survival benefitted patients of all age groups across the Nordic countries? NORDCAN survival analyses 2002-2021. Acta Oncol 2024; 63:179-191. [PMID: 38597666 PMCID: PMC11332520 DOI: 10.2340/1651-226x.2024.35094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the early 2000s, overall and site-specific cancer survival have improved substantially in the Nordic countries. We evaluated whether the improvements have been similar across countries, major cancer types, and age groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using population-based data from the five Nordic cancer registries recorded in the NORDCAN database, we included a cohort of 1,525,854 men and 1,378,470 women diagnosed with cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer) during 2002-2021, and followed for death until 2021. We estimated 5-year relative survival (RS) in 5-year calendar periods, and percentage points (pp) differences in 5-year RS from 2002-2006 until 2017-2021. Separate analyses were performed for eight cancer sites (i.e. colorectum, pancreas, lung, breast, cervix uteri, kidney, prostate, and melanoma of skin). RESULTS Five-year RS improved across nearly all cancer sites in all countries (except Iceland), with absolute differences across age groups ranging from 1 to 21 pp (all cancer sites), 2 to 20 pp (colorectum), -1 to 36 pp (pancreas), 2 to 28 pp (lung), 0 to 9 pp (breast), -11 to 26 pp (cervix uteri), 2 to 44 pp (kidney), -2 to 23 pp (prostate) and -3 to 30 pp (skin melanoma). The oldest patients (80-89 years) exhibited lower survival across all countries and sites, although with varying improvements over time. INTERPRETATION Nordic cancer patients have generally experienced substantial improvements in cancer survival during the last two decades, including major cancer sites and age groups. Although survival has improved over time, older patients remain at a lower cancer survival compared to younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L V Johansson
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Simon M Kønig
- Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Siri Larønningen
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gerda Engholm
- Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Kroman
- Department Breast Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital (Herlev/Gentofte), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karri Seppä
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland; Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nea Malila
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bjarni Á Steig
- National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | | | | | - Frida E Lundberg
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Therese M-L Andersson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul C Lambert
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Mats Lambe
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Regional Cancer Center Mid-Sweden, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - David Pettersson
- Swedish Cancer Registry, National Board of Health and Welfare, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bjarte Aagnes
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Søren Friis
- Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Storm
- Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Kristiansen MF, Mikkelsen RM, Kristiansdóttir T, Andórsdóttir G, Hansen SÓ, Á Steig B, Nielsen KR, Skaalum Petersen M, Strøm M. Cancer survival in the Faroe Islands over the last 50 years compared to the other Nordic countries. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:2090-2098. [PMID: 36727543 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
As sustained development in cancer treatment protocols have led to improved survival in most areas of the world, surveillance is needed to ensure that small populations follow suit. Our study reports age-standardized relative cancer survival in the Faroe Islands compared to the other Nordic countries. We present 1- and 5-year survival estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the Faroe Islands and compare them with estimates for the Nordic countries. The data for this article has been obtained through the NORDCAN collaboration (2019 data). Age-standardized relative survival was estimated using shared R codes on individual-level data within each country. Ten-year calendar inclusion periods were used in addition to the usual 5-year calendar periods to include cancer sites with few cases, which is especially beneficial to the smaller populations. The primary findings were that 1- and 5-year survival were consistently lower in the Faroes for the summary group all sites but non-melanoma skin cancer for both women and men. Further, 5-year survival was lower for women with ovarian cancer and men with lung cancer than in other Nordic countries. Previously, breast cancer survival was low in the Faroes but has improved to a comparable level over the last few years. Colorectal cancer survival was relatively high for both sexes. The reported estimates in this article call for further research to investigate the cancers with lower survival and should call for actions to improve the survival of Faroese cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnar Fríðheim Kristiansen
- Medical Department, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,The Faroese Cancer Registry, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,Centre of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,Genetic Biobank of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | | | | | | | - Saeunn Ólavsdóttir Hansen
- Medical Department, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,The Faroese Cancer Registry, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Bjarni Á Steig
- Medical Department, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,The Faroese Cancer Registry, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,Genetic Biobank of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Kári Rubek Nielsen
- Medical Department, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,The Faroese Cancer Registry, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,Genetic Biobank of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Maria Skaalum Petersen
- Centre of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Marin Strøm
- Centre of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Eide IJZ, Nilssen Y, Stensland EM, Brustugun OT. Real-World Data on EGFR and ALK Testing and TKI Usage in Norway-A Nation-Wide Population Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051505. [PMID: 36900294 PMCID: PMC10001166 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of EGFR- and ALK-directed therapies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Real-world data on, e.g., testing patterns, uptake, and duration of treatment are scarce. Reflex EGFR and ALK testing of non-squamous NSCLCs were implemented in Norwegian guidelines in 2010 and 2013, respectively. We present a complete national registry data on incidence, pathology procedures, and drug prescription in the period of 2013 to 2020. Test rates for both EGFR and ALK increased over time and were 85% and 89%, respectively, at the end of the study period, independent of age up to 85 years. The positivity rate for EGFR was higher among females and young patients, whereas no sex difference was observed for ALK. EGFR-treated patients were older than ALK-treated patients (71 vs. 63 years at start, p < 0.001). Male ALK-treated patients were significantly younger than females at the start of treatment (58 vs. 65 years, p = 0.019). The time from the first dispensation to the last dispensation of TKI (as a surrogate for progression-free survival) was shorter for EGFR- than for ALK-TKI, and survival for both EGFR- and ALK-positive patients was substantially longer than for non-mutated patients. We found a high adherence to molecular testing guidelines, good concordance of mutation positivity and treatment, and the real-world replication of findings in clinical trials, indicating that the relevant patients are provided substantially life-prolonging therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Johanne Zwicky Eide
- Section of Oncology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, N-3004 Drammen, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Elin Marie Stensland
- Section of Oncology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, N-3004 Drammen, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Odd Terje Brustugun
- Section of Oncology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, N-3004 Drammen, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-997-23-094
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5
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Rasmussen LA, Christensen NL, Winther-Larsen A, Dalton SO, Virgilsen LF, Jensen H, Vedsted P. A Validated Register-Based Algorithm to Identify Patients Diagnosed with Recurrence of Surgically Treated Stage I Lung Cancer in Denmark. Clin Epidemiol 2023; 15:251-261. [PMID: 36890800 PMCID: PMC9986467 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s396738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recurrence of cancer is not routinely registered in Danish national health registers. This study aimed to develop and validate a register-based algorithm to identify patients diagnosed with recurrent lung cancer and to estimate the accuracy of the identified diagnosis date. Material and Methods Patients with early-stage lung cancer treated with surgery were included in the study. Recurrence indicators were diagnosis and procedure codes recorded in the Danish National Patient Register and pathology results recorded in the Danish National Pathology Register. Information from CT scans and medical records served as the gold standard to assess the accuracy of the algorithm. Results The final population consisted of 217 patients; 72 (33%) had recurrence according to the gold standard. The median follow-up time since primary lung cancer diagnosis was 29 months (interquartile interval: 18-46). The algorithm for identifying a recurrence reached a sensitivity of 83.3% (95% CI: 72.7-91.1), a specificity of 93.8% (95% CI: 88.5-97.1), and a positive predictive value of 87.0% (95% CI: 76.7-93.9). The algorithm identified 70% of the recurrences within 60 days of the recurrence date registered by the gold standard method. The positive predictive value of the algorithm decreased to 70% when the algorithm was simulated in a population with a recurrence rate of 15%. Conclusion The proposed algorithm demonstrated good performance in a population with 33% recurrences over a median of 29 months. It can be used to identify patients diagnosed with recurrent lung cancer, and it may be a valuable tool for future research in this field. However, a lower positive predictive value is seen when applying the algorithm in populations with low recurrence rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne Winther-Larsen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton
- Survivorship and Inequality in Cancer, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Oncology & Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Næstved, Denmark
| | | | - Henry Jensen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
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6
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Gouliaev A, Rasmussen TR, Malila N, Fjellbirkeland L, Löfling L, Jakobsen E, Dalton SO, Christensen NL. Lung cancer registries in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden: a comparison and proposal for harmonization. Acta Oncol 2023; 62:1-7. [PMID: 36718556 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2023.2172687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in all Nordic countries which, though similar in demographics and healthcare systems, have noticeable differences in lung cancer survival. Historically, Denmark and Finland have had higher lung cancer incidences and lower survival than Norway and Sweden. All four countries have national cancer registries. Data in these registries are often compared, but their full potential as a source of learning across the Nordic countries is impeded by differences between the registries. In this paper, we describe and compare the Nordic registries on lung cancer-specific data and discuss how a more harmonized registration practice could increase their usefulness as a source for mutual learning and quality improvements. METHODS We describe and compare the characteristics of data on lung cancer cases from registries in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Moreover, we compare the results from the latest annual reports and specify how data may be acquired from the registries for research. RESULTS Denmark has a separate clinical lung cancer registry with more detailed data than the other Nordic countries. Finland and Norway report lung cancer survival as relative survival, whereas Denmark and Sweden report overall survival. The Danish Lung Cancer Registry and the Swedish Cancer Registry do not receive data from the Cause of Death registries in contrast to the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Cancer Registry of Norway. CONCLUSION The lung cancer registries in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden have high level of completeness. However, several important differences between the registries may bias comparative analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gouliaev
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - T R Rasmussen
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - N Malila
- The Finnish Cancer Registry, Cancer Society of Finland, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Fjellbirkeland
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - L Löfling
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway, formerly affiliated with Department of Medicine, SOLNA Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - E Jakobsen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - S O Dalton
- Survivorship and Inequality in Cancer, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish Research Center for Equality in Cancer (COMPAS), Department for Clinical Oncology & Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Naestved, Denmark
| | - N L Christensen
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
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7
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Iachina M, Anru PL, Jakobsen E. Effects of Demographic and Socio-Economic Factors on Investigation Time of Lung Cancer Patients in Denmark: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Health Serv Res Manag Epidemiol 2023; 10:23333928231206627. [PMID: 37901611 PMCID: PMC10605680 DOI: 10.1177/23333928231206627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lung cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide. The significance of the individual socio-economic position on the delay in lung cancer diagnosis has not been properly investigated. The purpose of this nationwide population-based study is to examine the association between position and the length of the primary investigation for lung cancer. Materials and Methods This register study was based on all lung cancer patients in Denmark who were diagnosed in 2012 to 2017, in total 28,431 patients. We used a multivariate logistic regression model and multivariate zero-inflated negative binomial model to estimate the effect of education level, family income, difficulty of transport, and cohabitation status on the length of the primary investigation. Results We found that the patients' income, difficulty of transport, and cohabitation status were associated with the length of the primary investigation. The chance of carrying out the investigation process within 24 days is higher for patients with a high income (adjusted OR = 0.86 with 95% CI (0.81; 0.91)), lower for patients with troublesome transport (adjusted OR = 0.67 with 95% CI (0.61; 0.72)), and lower for patients living alone (adjusted OR = 0.93 with 95% CI (0.88; 0.99)). Conclusion Several socio-economic factors are associated with the length of the primary lung cancer investigation. To ensure that all patients receive the most appropriate health care and to avoid extra investigation time, clinicians may pay extra attention to patients who are less fortunate due to low income, troublesome transport to the hospital, or living alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Iachina
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Pavithra Laxsen Anru
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Erik Jakobsen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Patient Data Exploratory Network (OPEN), Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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8
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Sætre LMS, Rasmussen S, Balasubramaniam K, Søndergaard J, Jarbøl DE. A population-based study on social inequality and barriers to healthcare-seeking with lung cancer symptoms. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2022; 32:48. [PMID: 36335123 PMCID: PMC9637082 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-022-00314-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare-seeking with lung cancer symptoms is a prerequisite for improving timely diagnosis of lung cancer. In this study we aimed to explore barriers towards contacting the general practitioner (GP) with lung cancer symptoms, and to analyse the impact of social inequality. The study is based on a nationwide survey with 69,060 individuals aged ≥40 years, randomly selected from the Danish population. The survey included information on lung cancer symptoms, GP contacts, barriers to healthcare-seeking and smoking status. Information about socioeconomics was obtained by linkage to Danish Registers. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression model were used to analyse the data. “Being too busy” and “Being worried about wasting the doctor’s time” were the most frequent barriers to healthcare-seeking with lung cancer symptoms. Individuals out of workforce and individuals who smoked more often reported “Being worried about what the doctor might find” and “Being too embarrassed” about the symptoms. The social inequality in barriers to healthcare-seeking with lung cancer symptoms is noticeable, which emphasises the necessity of focus on vulnerable groups at risk of postponing relevant healthcare-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Maria Sele Sætre
- grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sanne Rasmussen
- grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kirubakaran Balasubramaniam
- grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dorte Ejg Jarbøl
- grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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9
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Lynch C, Harrison S, Butler J, Baldwin DR, Dawkins P, van der Horst J, Jakobsen E, McAleese J, McWilliams A, Redmond K, Swaminath A, Finley CJ. An International Consensus on Actions to Improve Lung Cancer Survival: A Modified Delphi Method Among Clinical Experts in the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221119354. [PMID: 36269109 PMCID: PMC9596933 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221119354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research from the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) demonstrates that international variation in lung cancer survival persists, particularly within early stage disease. There is a lack of international consensus on the critical contributing components to variation in lung cancer outcomes and the steps needed to optimise lung cancer services. These are needed to improve the quality of options for and equitable access to treatment, and ultimately improve survival. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 key informants from ICBP countries. An international clinical network representing 6 ICBP countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales) was established to share local clinical insights and examples of best practice. Using a modified Delphi consensus model, network members suggested and rated recommendations to optimise the management of lung cancer. Calls to Action were developed via Delphi voting as the most crucial recommendations, with Good Practice Points included to support their implementation. RESULTS Five Calls to Action and thirteen Good Practice Points applicable to high income, comparable countries were developed and achieved 100% consensus. Calls to Action include (1) Implement cost-effective, clinically efficacious, and equitable lung cancer screening initiatives; (2) Ensure diagnosis of lung cancer within 30 days of referral; (3) Develop Thoracic Centres of Excellence; (4) Undertake an international audit of lung cancer care; and (5) Recognise improvements in lung cancer care and outcomes as a priority in cancer policy. CONCLUSION The recommendations presented are the voice of an expert international lung cancer clinical network, and signpost key considerations for policymakers in countries within the ICBP but also in other comparable high-income countries. These define a roadmap to help align and focus efforts in improving outcomes and management of lung cancer patients globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lynch
- International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) and Strategic Evidence, Policy, Information & Communications, Cancer Research UK, London, UK,Charlotte Lynch, International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, Cancer Research UK 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ, UK.
| | - Samantha Harrison
- International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) and Strategic Evidence, Policy, Information & Communications, Cancer Research UK, London, UK
| | - John Butler
- International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) and Strategic Evidence, Policy, Information & Communications, Cancer Research UK, London, UK,Gynaecology Department, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David R. Baldwin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Dawkins
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Erik Jakobsen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jonathan McAleese
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Annette McWilliams
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fiona Stanley Hospital and University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Karen Redmond
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Transplantation, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anand Swaminath
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Christian J. Finley
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Helland Å, Andersen KK, Myklebust TÅ, Johannesen TB, Aarøe J, Enerly E. EGFR-mutation testing and TKI treatment patterns in locally advanced and metastatic NSCLC in Norway - A nationwide retrospective cohort study. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 33:100636. [PMID: 36155129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testing for epidermal growth factor receptor mutation (EGFRm) status is a prerequisite to identify eligible patients for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) treatment. However, EGFR testing of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is suboptimal in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to describe real-world EGFR testing practice, EGFRm prevalence, and subsequent TKI treatment patterns in Norway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective, observational, cohort study included all incident locally advanced and metastatic non-squamous NSCLC patients registered in the Norwegian Cancer Registry during 2010-2017. A cohort with follow-up through 2018 was formed with linkage to nationwide registries on comorbidities, prescribed drugs and causes-of-death. RESULTS A total of 10,717 patients were included, of which 35% (3782) with locally advanced NSCLC and 65% (6935) with metastatic disease. Mean age at diagnosis was 71 years and 47% were female. EGFR testing among patients with metastatic NSCLC increased from 41% to >64% between 2010 and 2017, with a relative stable incidence of EGFRm+ (∼9%). More than 85% of EGFRm+ patients received TKI treatment. Patients with the most dismal prognosis (>80 age, comorbidities) and with diagnosis based on cytology/imaging were less likely to be tested. Differences in testing were observed between regions. CONCLUSION Despite increased test rates over the study period, in Norway, a significant proportion of patients with non-squamous metastatic NSCLC are still not tested for EGFR. To maximize the identification of eligible patients for targeted therapies, increased testing is recommended, regardless of age, comorbidity rate and place of residence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åslaug Helland
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | | | - Tor Åge Myklebust
- Department of Research and Innovation, Møre and Romsdal Hospital Trust, Ålesund, Norway; Department of Registration, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jørgen Aarøe
- Medical, Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca of Nordic, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Enerly
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway.
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11
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Effect of adherence to treatment guidelines on overall survival in elderly non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Lung Cancer 2022; 171:9-17. [PMID: 35863255 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mean age at diagnosis of lung cancer is increasing with increasing age in Western populations. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of adherence to first-line treatment guidelines on overall survival (OS) in elderly patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and reasons for non-adherence to treatment guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients aged ≥ 65 years diagnosed with NSCLC in Ostrobothnia, Finland, during the years 2016 to 2020 were identified from hospital registries. Adherence of first-line treatment to contemporary treatment guidelines was analysed based on diagnosis, tumour stage and performance status (PS), as was the effect of adherence on OS. RESULTS A review of hospital registries identified 238 NSCLC patients aged ≥ 65 years. Guideline adherence by stage decreased significantly with age, with 66.4% of patients aged 65 to 74 years, but only 33.3% of those aged > 80 years treated according to guidelines (p < 0.001). Other factors associated with non-adherence to guidelines included poor PS, frailty, and limited lung function. Of the patients with PS 0-2, 26.9% were under-treated according to guidelines. Reasons for under-treatment included comorbidities, decreased lung function, physician decision to reduce treatment intensity or recommend best supportive care, patient choice and PS decline before treatment initiation. Guideline adherence increased overall OS of elderly NSCLC patients in all stages. Elderly PS 2 patients appear to benefit from guideline adherence and active treatment. In contrast, active treatment did not benefit patients with PS 3-4. CONCLUSIONS Guideline adherence was associated with increased OS in elderly NSCLC patients. Almost 10% of elderly and otherwise fit NSCLC patients were not treated according to guidelines and could have benefitted from more intensive treatment.
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12
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Zhang J, Oberoi J, Karnchanachari N, IJzerman MJ, Bergin RJ, Druce P, Franchini F, Emery JD. A systematic overview on risk factors and effective interventions to reduce time to diagnosis and treatment in lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2022; 166:27-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Ansar A, Lewis V, McDonald CF, Liu C, Rahman MA. Duration of intervals in the care seeking pathway for lung cancer in Bangladesh: A journey from symptoms triggering consultation to receipt of treatment. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257301. [PMID: 34506592 PMCID: PMC8432814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Timeliness in seeking care is critical for lung cancer patients' survival and better prognosis. The care seeking trajectory of patients with lung cancer in Bangladesh has not been explored, despite the differences in health systems and structures compared to high income countries. This study investigated the symptoms triggering healthcare seeking, preferred healthcare providers (including informal healthcare providers such as pharmacy retailers, village doctors, and "traditional healers"), and the duration of intervals in the lung cancer care pathway of patients in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh among diagnosed lung cancer patients through face-to-face interview and medical record review. Time intervals from onset of symptom and care seeking events were calculated and compared between those who sought initial care from different providers using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Among 418 study participants, the majority (90%) of whom were males, with a mean age of 57 ±9.86 years, cough and chest pain were the most common (23%) combination of symptoms triggering healthcare seeking. About two-thirds of the total respondents (60%) went to informal healthcare providers as their first point of contact. Living in rural areas, lower levels of education and lower income were associated with seeking care from such providers. The median duration between onset of symptom to confirmation of diagnosis was 121 days, between confirmation of diagnosis and initiation of treatment was 22 days, and between onset of symptom and initiation of treatment was 151 days. Pre-diagnosis durations were longer for those who had sought initial care from an informal provider (p<0.05). Time to first contact with a health provider was shorter in this study compared to other developed and developing countries but utilizing informal healthcare providers caused delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Encouraging people to seek care from a formal healthcare provider may reduce the overall duration of the care seeking pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Ansar
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Virginia Lewis
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Institute for Primary Care and Aging, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christine Faye McDonald
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS), Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chaojie Liu
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Muhammad Aziz Rahman
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS), Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Institute for Primary Care and Aging, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Health, Federation University Australia, Berwick, Australia
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (BUHS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
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14
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Stokstad T, Sørhaug S, Amundsen T, Grønberg BH. Associations Between Time to Treatment Start and Survival in Patients With Lung Cancer. In Vivo 2021; 35:1595-1603. [PMID: 33910841 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time-to-treatment is defined as a quality indicator for cancer care but is not well documented. We investigated whether meeting Norwegian timeframes of 35/42 days from referral until start of chemotherapy or surgery/radiotherapy for lung cancer was associated with survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS The medical records of 439 lung cancer patients at a regional cancer center were reviewed and categorized according to treatment: (i) surgery; ii) radical radiotherapy; iii) stereotactic radiotherapy; iv) palliative treatment, no cancer symptoms; v) palliative treatment with severe cancer symptoms). RESULTS Proportions receiving timely treatment varied significantly at 39%, 48%, 10%, 44% and 89%, respectively (p<0.001). Overall, those starting treatment on time had the shortest median overall survival (10.6 vs. 22.6 months; p<0.001). This was also the case for palliative (5.3 vs. 11.4 months) (p<0.001) but not for curative treatment (not reached vs. 38.3 months) (p=0.038). CONCLUSION Timely treatment is not necessarily associated with improved survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Stokstad
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Gynecology, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sveinung Sørhaug
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Thoracic Medicine, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tore Amundsen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Thoracic Medicine, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjørn H Grønberg
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; .,Department of Oncology, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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15
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Ditte Skadhede T, Jane C, Ole A, Linda Aagaard T, Torben Riis R, Niels Lyhne C. Outcomes and characteristics of Danish patients undergoing a lung cancer patient pathway without getting a lung cancer diagnosis. A retrospective cohort study. Eur Clin Respir J 2021; 8:1923390. [PMID: 34025954 PMCID: PMC8128214 DOI: 10.1080/20018525.2021.1923390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The organ-specific Danish cancer patient pathways (CPPs) including standard time frames were introduced in 2008-2009 securing fast tracks for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Previous studies of the CPPs have focussed on patients getting the suspected cancer diagnosis, whereas little is known about patients not getting the cancer diagnosis for which they were examined. We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients who completed a lung cancer CPP (LCPP) without getting a LC diagnosis. Furthermore, to assess the proportion of patients who had invasive procedures performed during the LCPP and radiographic examinations of the chest conducted 30 days prior to the LCPP and during the LCPP. Moreover, we aimed to describe the proportion of patients being diagnosed with any other cancer-type than LC or with non-malignant pulmonary diseases (NMPDs) during the LCPP. Methods: The study was a retrospective population-based cohort study based on Danish national registers. Patients completing a LCPP between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016 without being diagnosed with LC and who were registered as initiating and completing the LCPP, a total of 35,809, were included in the study. Results: Invasive procedures were performed in 12,986 patients (37.4%) and almost all patients had CT-scans of thorax and lungs conducted 30 days prior to or during the LCPP. During the LCPP other cancer-types than LC were diagnosed in 1,537 patients (4.3% of the study population), including other primary thoracic malignancies in 312 patients, while 6,826 patients (19.1%) were diagnosed with NMPDs, most often infections or chronic respiratory diseases of lower airways. Conclusion: Besides diagnosing LC the LCPP may contribute significantly in diagnosing other primary and secondary cancers as well as non-malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christensen Jane
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, The Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Andersen Ole
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, The Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Thomsen Linda Aagaard
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, The Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen O, Denmark
| | - Rasmussen Torben Riis
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Christensen Niels Lyhne
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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16
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Leclère JB, Fournel L, Etienne H, Al Zreibi C, Onorati I, Roussel A, Castier Y, Martinod E, Le Pimpec-Barthes F, Alifano M, Assouad J, Mordant P. Maintaining Surgical Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Paris. Ann Thorac Surg 2021; 111:1682-1688. [PMID: 33038341 PMCID: PMC7543779 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was officially declared in France on March 14, 2020. The objective of this study is to report the incidence and outcome of COVID-19 after surgical resection of non-small cell lung cancer in Paris Public Hospitals during the pandemic. METHODS We retrospective analyzed a prospective database including all patients who underwent non-small cell lung cancer resection between March 14, 2020, and May 11, 2020, in the 5 thoracic surgery units of Paris Public Hospitals. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first 30 days after surgery. RESULTS Study group included 115 patients (male 57%, age 64.6 ± 10.7 years, adenocarcinoma 66%, cT1 62%, cN0 82%). During the first month after surgery, 6 patients (5%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. As compared with COVID-negative patients, COVID-positive patients were more likely to be operated on during the first month of the pandemic (100% vs 54%, P = .03) and to be on corticosteroids preoperatively (33% vs 4%, P = .03). Postoperative COVID-19 was associated with an increased rate of readmission (50% vs 5%, P = .004), but no difference in 30-day morbidity (for the study group: grade 2, 24%; grade 3, 7%; grade 4, 1%) or mortality (n = 1 COVID-negative patient, 0.9%). Immediate oncologic outcomes did not differ significantly between groups (R0 resection 99%, nodal upstaging 14%, adjuvant chemotherapy 29%). CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical treatment of non-small cell lung cancer was associated with a rate of postoperative COVID-19 of 5% with a significant impact on readmissions but not on other outcomes studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Leclère
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, and Lung Transplantation, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Fournel
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Harry Etienne
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Charbel Al Zreibi
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Oncology, and Lung Transplantation, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Ilaria Onorati
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Hôpital Avicenne, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Roussel
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, and Lung Transplantation, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Yves Castier
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, and Lung Transplantation, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Martinod
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Hôpital Avicenne, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Paris, France
| | - Françoise Le Pimpec-Barthes
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Oncology, and Lung Transplantation, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marco Alifano
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jalal Assouad
- Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Mordant
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, and Lung Transplantation, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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17
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Brade A, Jao K, Yu S, Cheema P, Doucette S, Christofides A, Schellenberg D. A Canadian Perspective on the Challenges for Delivery of Curative-Intent Therapy in Stage III Unresectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:1618-1629. [PMID: 33923355 PMCID: PMC8161772 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28030151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprises a highly heterogenous group of patients with regards to patient fitness and tumour size and distribution, resulting in a wide range of treatment goals and therapy options. Curative-intent multimodality treatment should be considered in all patients with stage III NSCLC. For patients with unresectable disease who are fit, have adequate lung function, and have a disease that can be encompassed within a radical radiation volume, concurrent chemoradiation therapy (cCRT) is the standard of care and can produce cure rates of 20–30%. Recently, consolidation immunotherapy with durvalumab has been recognized as the standard of care following cCRT based on significant improvement rates in overall survival at 4 years. The large heterogeneity of the stage III NSCLC population, along with the need for extensive staging procedures, multidisciplinary care, intensive cCRT, and now consolidation therapy makes the delivery of timely and optimal treatment for these patients complex. Several logistical, communication, and education factors hinder the delivery of guideline-recommended care to patients with stage III unresectable NSCLC. This commentary discusses the potential challenges patients may encounter at different points along their care pathway that can interfere with delivery of curative-intent therapy and suggests strategies for improving care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Brade
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peel Regional Cancer Centre, Mississauga, ON L5M 2N1, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Kevin Jao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC H4J 1C5, Canada;
| | - Simon Yu
- Department of Medicine, Burnaby Hospital Cancer Centre, Burnaby, BC V5G 2X6, Canada;
| | - Parneet Cheema
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H2, Canada;
- William Osler Health System, Brampton, ON L6R 3J7, Canada
| | - Sarah Doucette
- Senior Medical Writer, IMPACT Medicom Inc., Toronto, ON M6S 3K2, Canada; (S.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Anna Christofides
- Senior Medical Writer, IMPACT Medicom Inc., Toronto, ON M6S 3K2, Canada; (S.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Devin Schellenberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Surrey, BC V2V 1Z2, Canada;
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18
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Brice SN, Harper P, Crosby T, Gartner D, Arruda E, England T, Aspland E, Foley K. Factors influencing the delivery of cancer pathways: a summary of the literature. J Health Organ Manag 2021; 35:121-139. [PMID: 33818048 PMCID: PMC9136872 DOI: 10.1108/jhom-05-2020-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to summarise the literature on cancer care pathways at the diagnostic and treatment phases. The objectives are to find factors influencing the delivery of cancer care pathways; to highlight any interrelating factors; to find gaps in the literature concerning areas of research; to summarise the strategies and recommendations implemented in the studies. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The study used a qualitative approach and developed a causal loop diagram to summarise the current literature on cancer care pathways, from screening and diagnosis to treatment. A total of 46 papers was finally included in the analysis, which highlights the recurring themes in the literature. FINDINGS The study highlights the myriad areas of research applied to cancer care pathways. Factors influencing the delivery of cancer care pathways were classified into different albeit interrelated themes. These include access barriers to care, hospital emergency admissions, fast track diagnostics, delay in diagnosis, waiting time to treatment and strategies to increase system efficiency. ORIGINALITY/VALUE As far as the authors know, this is the first study to present a visual representation of the complex relationship between factors influencing the delivery of cancer care pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Harper
- School of Mathematics
,
Cardiff University
, Cardiff,
UK
| | | | - Daniel Gartner
- School of Mathematics
,
Cardiff University
, Cardiff,
UK
| | - Edilson Arruda
- Department of Decision Analytics and Risk,
Southampton Business School
,
University of Southampton
, Southampton,
UK
- Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute-Graduate School and Research in Engineering
,
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
, Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
| | - Tracey England
- Department of Decision Analytics and Risk,
Southampton Business School
,
University of Southampton
, Southampton,
UK
| | - Emma Aspland
- School of Mathematics
,
Cardiff University
, Cardiff,
UK
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19
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Milkovich J, Hanna T, Nessim C, Petrella TM, Weatherhead L, Chan AW, Irish JC, Murray C, Bannerman G, Holloway C, Forster K, Pazzano L, Wright FC. Restructuring Skin Cancer Care in Ontario: A Provincial Plan. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:1183-1196. [PMID: 33809399 PMCID: PMC8025818 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28020114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a global rise in skin cancer incidence, resulting in an increase in patient care needs and healthcare costs. To optimize health care planning, costs, and patient care, Ontario Health developed a provincial skin cancer plan to streamline the quality of care. We conducted a systematic review and a grey literature search to evaluate the definitions and management of skin cancer within other jurisdictions, as well as a provincial survey of skin cancer care practices, to identify care gaps. The systematic review did not identify any published comprehensive skin cancer management plans. The grey literature search revealed skin cancer plans in isolated regions of the United Kingdom (U.K.), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for skin cancer quality indicators and regional skin cancer biopsy clinics, and wait time guidelines in Australia and the U.K. With the input of the Ontario Cancer Advisory Committee (CAC), unique definitions for complex and non-complex skin cancers and the appropriate cancer services were created. A provincial survey of skin cancer care yielded 44 responses and demonstrated gaps in biopsy access. A skin cancer pathway map was created and a recommendation was made for regional skin cancer biopsy clinics. We have created unique definitions for complex and non-complex skin cancer and a skin cancer pathways map, which will allow for the implementation of both process and performance metrics to address identified gaps in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Milkovich
- Surgical Oncology Program, Ontario Health-Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (J.M.); (J.C.I.)
| | - Tim Hanna
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute at Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada;
- Department of Oncology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 5P9, Canada
| | - Carolyn Nessim
- Division of Dermatology and Medical Oncology, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (C.N.); (L.W.)
| | - Teresa M. Petrella
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Medical Oncology, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada;
| | - Louis Weatherhead
- Division of Dermatology and Medical Oncology, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (C.N.); (L.W.)
| | - An-Wen Chan
- Department of Medicine, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2, Canada;
| | - Jonathan C. Irish
- Surgical Oncology Program, Ontario Health-Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (J.M.); (J.C.I.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2, Canada;
| | - Christian Murray
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2, Canada;
| | - Grace Bannerman
- Clinical Institutes and Quality Programs, Ontario Health, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (G.B.); (C.H.); (K.F.); (L.P.)
| | - Claire Holloway
- Clinical Institutes and Quality Programs, Ontario Health, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (G.B.); (C.H.); (K.F.); (L.P.)
| | - Katharina Forster
- Clinical Institutes and Quality Programs, Ontario Health, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (G.B.); (C.H.); (K.F.); (L.P.)
| | - Laura Pazzano
- Clinical Institutes and Quality Programs, Ontario Health, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (G.B.); (C.H.); (K.F.); (L.P.)
| | - Frances C. Wright
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Medical Oncology, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2, Canada;
- Clinical Institutes and Quality Programs, Ontario Health, Toronto, ON M5G 2L7, Canada; (G.B.); (C.H.); (K.F.); (L.P.)
- Correspondence:
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20
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Lundberg FE, Andersson TML, Lambe M, Engholm G, Mørch LS, Johannesen TB, Virtanen A, Pettersson D, Ólafsdóttir EJ, Birgisson H, Johansson ALV, Lambert PC. Trends in cancer survival in the Nordic countries 1990-2016: the NORDCAN survival studies. Acta Oncol 2020; 59:1266-1274. [PMID: 33073632 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2020.1822544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in cancer survival between the Nordic countries have previously been reported. The aim of this study was to examine whether these differences in outcome remain, based on updated information from five national cancer registers. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data used for the analysis was from the NORDCAN database focusing on nine common cancers diagnosed 1990-2016 in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden with maximum follow-up through 2017. Relative survival (RS) was estimated at 1 and 5 years using flexible parametric RS models, and percentage point differences between the earliest and latest years available were calculated. RESULTS A consistent improvement in both 1- and 5-year RS was found for most studied sites across all countries. Previously observed differences between the countries have been attenuated. The improvements were particularly pronounced in Denmark that now has cancer survival similar to the other Nordic countries. CONCLUSION The reasons for the observed improvements in cancer survival are likely multifactorial, including earlier diagnosis, improved treatment options, implementation of national cancer plans, uniform national cancer care guidelines and standardized patient pathways. The previous survival disadvantage in Denmark is no longer present for most sites. Continuous monitoring of cancer survival is of importance to assess the impact of changes in policies and the effectiveness of health care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida E. Lundberg
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Therese M.-L. Andersson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Lambe
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Regional Cancer Centre Uppsala Örebro, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gerda Engholm
- Danish Cancer Society, Cancer Surveillance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lina Steinrud Mørch
- Danish Cancer Society, Cancer Surveillance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Anni Virtanen
- Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, and HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David Pettersson
- Swedish Cancer Registry, National Board of Health and Welfare, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Anna L. V. Johansson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Paul C. Lambert
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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21
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Kravdal A, Stubhaug ØO, Wågø AG, Steien Sætereng M, Amundsen D, Piekuviene R, Kristiansen A. Pulmonary tularaemia: a differential diagnosis to lung cancer. ERJ Open Res 2020; 6:00093-2019. [PMID: 32613015 PMCID: PMC7322898 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00093-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary manifestations of tularaemia are reported to be infrequent in previous publications. During 2016, we noticed an increase in the number of hospitalised patients with pulmonary tularaemia in Eastern Norway. We aimed to investigate primary pulmonary tularaemia in Eastern Norway in terms of symptoms, radiological and microbiological findings, incidence and risk exposure. Methods A retrospective analysis of consecutive primary pulmonary tularaemia cases from 2016 until 2018 was conducted. Results From 1 September, 2016 until 31 December, 2018, 22 patients were diagnosed with primary pulmonary tularaemia at Innlandet Hospital Trust, representing 48% of all reported tularaemia cases in the region. A peak annual incidence of 3.4 in 100 000 was found in 2017. All 22 patients lived in, or had recently visited, rural areas. Eighteen patients reported risk exposure for tularaemia, such as wood chopping, outdoor activities and farming prior to symptom onset. All patients experienced fever, and 19 patients had respiratory symptoms. Ten patients were in spontaneous recovery at diagnosis. All patients had a chest computed tomography scan. Overall, 19 patients had pulmonary lesions and 18 had enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes. The computed tomography images were described as suspicious of malignancy in 17 patients. Conclusion Pulmonary manifestations in tularaemia occurred more frequently in our region than expected from previous reports. Although all patients had symptoms consistent with infection, the majority were primarily investigated considering lung cancer due to the radiology report. In endemic areas, pulmonary tularaemia may be an important differential diagnosis to lung cancer. Pulmonary tularaemia is possibly more frequent than previously reported. Due to similar radiological findings, pulmonary tularaemia may be an important differential diagnosis to lung cancer in endemic areas.https://bit.ly/2RcEPfN
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Kravdal
- Dept of Medicine, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Gjøvik, Norway
| | | | - Anne Grete Wågø
- Dept of Microbiology, St Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Dag Amundsen
- Dept of Medicine, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway
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22
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Thunnissen E, Weynand B, Udovicic-Gagula D, Brcic L, Szolkowska M, Hofman P, Smojver-Ježek S, Anttila S, Calabrese F, Kern I, Skov B, Perner S, Dale VG, Eri Z, Haragan A, Leonte D, Carvallo L, Prince SS, Nicholson S, Sansano I, Ryska A. Lung cancer biomarker testing: perspective from Europe. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2020; 9:887-897. [PMID: 32676354 PMCID: PMC7354119 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2020.04.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A questionnaire on biomarker testing previously used in central European countries was extended and distributed in Western and Central European countries to the pathologists participating at the Pulmonary Pathology Society meeting 26-28 June 2019 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Each country was represented by one responder. For recent biomarkers the availability and reimbursement of diagnoses of molecular alterations in non-small cell lung carcinoma varies widely between different, also western European, countries. Reimbursement of such assessments varies widely between unavailability and payments by the health care system or even pharmaceutical companies. The support for testing from alternative sources, such as the pharmaceutical industry, is no doubt partly compensating for the lack of public health system support, but it is not a viable or long-term solution. Ideally, a structured access to testing and reimbursement should be the aim in order to provide patients with appropriate therapeutic options. As biomarker enabled therapies deliver a 50% better probability of outcome success, improved and unbiased reimbursement remains a major challenge for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Thunnissen
- Department of Pathology, AmsterdamUMC, Location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dalma Udovicic-Gagula
- Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Department of Pathology and Cytology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Luka Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Malgorzata Szolkowska
- National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, Department of Pathology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paul Hofman
- Nice University Hospital, FHU OncoAge, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Nice, France
| | - Silvana Smojver-Ježek
- Clinical Unit for Pulmonary Cytology, Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sisko Anttila
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki and Uusimaa Health Care District, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Fiorella Calabrese
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Izidor Kern
- Laboratory for cytology and pathology, University Clinic Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia
| | - Birgit Skov
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany;,Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Vibeke G. Dale
- Department of Pathology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Zivka Eri
- Institute for pulmonary diseases of Vojvodina, Department for Pathology, put dr Goldmana 4, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Alex Haragan
- Department of Pathology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, England
| | - Diana Leonte
- National Institute of Pneumology, Pathology Department, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lina Carvallo
- Institute of Anatomical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine – University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Spasenja Savic Prince
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Siobhan Nicholson
- Department of Histopathology, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Irene Sansano
- Pathology Department, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 119-129, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ales Ryska
- The Fingerland Department of Pathology, Charles University Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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23
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The impact of severe mental illness on lung cancer mortality of patients with lung cancer in Finland in 1990–2013: a register-based cohort study. Eur J Cancer 2019; 118:105-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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24
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Alanen V, Koivunen JP. Association of diagnostic delays to survival in lung cancer: single center experience. Acta Oncol 2019; 58:1056-1061. [PMID: 30938249 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2019.1590635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Rapid diagnostics and treatment approaches have been applied in many countries to enhance patient satisfaction, but it is unknown whether this leads to improvements in survival. Material and methods: Symptoms initiation, referral, and investigations and their timing, and survival were retrospectively collected from all the patients diagnosed for lung cancer at Oulu University Hospital 2015-2016 (n = 221). Correlation of treatment delays to survival was evaluated in different categories and by tumor stages. Results: Survival analysis showed no statistical difference between patients having below or above median time for the whole clinical pathway (from symptoms to treatment). Subsection analysis of the clinical pathway and division of patients by stage showed improved survival for patients having longer than median times in referral to diagnosis (p = .03) and diagnosis to treatment (p < .0001) for the whole population and in the latter for the stage IV patients as well (p < .0001). In multivariate analysis, long diagnosis to treatment time associated with improved survival while statistical difference was lost in the referral to diagnosis interval. Conclusion: Longer time on diagnostic work-up of lung cancer does not worsen the survival suggesting that fast-track approaches might not improve lung cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virve Alanen
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Oulu University Hospital and MRC Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jussi P. Koivunen
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Oulu University Hospital and MRC Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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25
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Benn BS, Parikh M, Tsau PH, Seeley E, Krishna G. Using a Dedicated Interventional Pulmonology Practice Decreases Wait Time Before Treatment Initiation for New Lung Cancer Diagnoses. Lung 2019; 197:249-255. [PMID: 30783733 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-019-00207-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE While there is significant mortality and morbidity with lung cancer, early stage diagnoses carry a better prognosis. As lung cancer screening programs increase with more pulmonary nodules detected, expediting definitive treatment initiation for newly diagnosed patients is imperative. The objective of our analysis was to determine if the use of a dedicated interventional pulmonology practice decreases time delay from new diagnosis of lung cancer or metastatic disease to the chest to treatment initiation. METHODS Retrospective chart analysis was done of 87 consecutive patients with a new diagnosis of primary lung cancer or metastatic cancer to the chest from our interventional pulmonology procedures. Demographic information and time intervals from abnormal imaging to procedure and to treatment initiation were recorded. RESULTS Patients were older (mean age 69) and former or current smokers (72%). A median of 27 days (1-127 days) passed from our diagnostic biopsy to treatment initiation. A median of 53 total days (2-449 days) passed from abnormal imaging to definitive treatment. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration was the most commonly used diagnostic procedure (59%), with non-small cell lung cancer the majority diagnosis (64%). For surgical patients, all biopsy-negative lymph nodes from our procedures were cancer-free at surgical excision. CONCLUSIONS Compared to prior reports from international and United States cohorts, obtaining a tissue biopsy diagnosis through a gatekeeper interventional pulmonology practice decreases median delay from abnormal imaging to treatment initiation. This finding has the potential to positively impact patient outcomes and requires further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan S Benn
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 LeConte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Mihir Parikh
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pei H Tsau
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Eric Seeley
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ganesh Krishna
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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26
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Christensen NL, Dalton SO, Mellemgaard A, Christensen J, Kejs AMT, Rasmussen TR. Assessing the pattern of recurrence in Danish stage I lung cancer patients in relation to the follow-up program: are we failing to identify patients with cerebral recurrence? Acta Oncol 2018; 57:1556-1560. [PMID: 30010453 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2018.1490028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is paucity of evidence regarding the optimal follow-up (FU) regimen for lung cancer. Consequently, FU is organized differently across countries. The Danish FU regimen has short FU intervals with a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and upper abdomen every three months in the early phase (first 2 years), then every six months in the late phase of FU (3rd, 5th year). Characterizing recurrences missed by the FU program in terms of site, tumor histology, department, and phase of FU, could improve the FU program. MATERIAL AND METHOD A case-control study of curatively treated stage I lung cancer patients who attended the Danish FU-program and had recurrence identified through the follow-up program (controls, FU group) or outside FU program (cases, symptomatic group). RESULTS Of 233 included patients with recurrence, the FU group constituted 85% (n = 197). Among the 15% (n = 36) in the symptomatic group, 53% had involvement of the central nervous system compared with 3% in the FU group. The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for having an isolated brain recurrence (IBR) in the symptomatic group was 52.3 (95%CI: 15.1-181.4) as compared with the FU group. The OR for having a symptomatic recurrence in the early phase of FU was 2.5 (95%CI: 0.7-8.7) compared with the late phase. CONCLUSIONS The FU program did not identify the majority of patients with IBR. Including cerebral imaging in the FU program may result in an earlier detection of brain metastases. These matters should be studied in a prospective setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Lyhne Christensen
- Department of Documentation and Quality, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Jane Christensen
- Department of Documentation and Quality, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | | | - Torben Riis Rasmussen
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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27
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Christensen NL, Løkke A, Dalton SO, Christensen J, Rasmussen TR. Smoking, alcohol, and nutritional status in relation to one-year mortality in Danish stage I lung cancer patients. Lung Cancer 2018; 124:40-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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28
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Substantial nation-wide improvement in lung cancer relative survival in Norway from 2000 to 2016. Lung Cancer 2018; 122:138-145. [PMID: 30032822 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There have been significant changes in both diagnostic procedures and therapy for lung cancer since the beginning of the millennium. National incidence and survival data from 2000 through 2016 are studied. METHODS National data on cancer incidence and vital status are virtually complete. Changes in incidence and survival are described by absolute numbers, percentages, and calculation of relative survival (period analysis). RESULTS A total of 44,825 individuals were diagnosed with lung cancer in Norway in the study period. The number of incident cases increased with 49% whereas the prevalence increased with 136% from 2000 to 2016. Age-standardised rates rose markedly for women and levelled off for men. In 2016, adenocarcinoma accounted for about 50% of all lung cancers, slightly more for women than for men. The entity "NSCLC not otherwise specified" declined from 24% to 13%, and the fraction of patients with metastatic disease decreased from 54% to 46% during the period, for both sexes combined. The overall median survival time doubled for women and men, reaching 14.3 months and 11.4 months, respectively. For patients with metastatic disease, median survival time showed a small increase but remained less than 6 months. The overall 5-year relative survival increased from 16% to 26% in women and from 16% to 22% in men. The corresponding improvements for the subgroup of non-surgically treated cases with localised disease, were up from 25% to more than 40% in females, and from 10% to almost 40% in males. CONCLUSION There have been notable changes in incidence patterns and a remarkable improvement in survival for lung cancer over the last 17 years, most markedly for patients without distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. Hopefully, survival will improve even more when immunotherapy is implemented.
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